Amid reports suggesting tightened border controls between Nigeria and Chad, senior officials from both nations have held a high-level meeting to reaffirm their commitment to regional security and cross-border collaboration.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement released on Wednesday, Sani Uba, media information officer of Operation Hadin Kai, confirmed that Bisso Youssouf Mbodou Mbami, Chad’s Consul General in Maiduguri, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Borno State.
Uba explained that the discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in security and trade across the Lake Chad Basin, as both countries seek to counter threats of insurgency and illegal cross-border activities.
During the visit, Mbami stressed the need for stronger security and economic collaboration between Nigeria and Chad, noting that improved coordination between the two militaries was vital in defeating Boko Haram and other armed groups destabilising the region.
He commended the Nigerian armed forces for their persistence in counterterrorism efforts, describing the Nigeria–Chad partnership as a model of regional cooperation.
The Chadian envoy also urged sustained dialogue to resolve trade and border-related challenges, adding that his government was sensitising its citizens on Nigeria’s trade policies and contraband regulations.
Responding, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, reaffirmed Chad’s position as a trusted brother and strategic ally, while pledging Nigeria’s continued support for the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
Abubakar underscored the importance of intelligence sharing in maintaining regional stability and assured that concerns raised by the Chadian delegation would be addressed.
He added, “It is our duty to protect legitimate trade and ensure that goods and livelihoods do not fall into the hands of terrorists.”
